Religious diversity in the workplace

Abstract

This chapter discusses the effect of accommodation of religious and spiritual practices in the workforce from three approaches: a legal approach, one that focuses on preventing discrimination; a faith-friendly approach, one in which leadership may positively emphasize the importance of faith in the workplace; and one of respectful pluralism in which employees develop religious competency as needed. This latter approach borrows from healthcare. Religious competencies are learned skills and attitudes which help us understand religious values, both similarities and differences, and ease communication between and among customers, volunteers, and employees. I conceive of the quality of work life being increased by religious competency when the necessary ingredients to create respectful religious pluralism are in the workplace: support from upper management, recognition, and integration of religious groups in the workplace; partners in the community who can educate the workforce; a culture of respect; and measurement of a culture of respect.